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Planning a return trip to Maho Bay in December.
I am looking into renting a Jeep and have noticed some rules regarding removing the tops. Is this everywhere? Strictly enforced or "boiler plate" for any rain damage? I like the idea of going "topless" in STJ. 😉 Removing the sides and back may be a compromise.
I stayed at Maho Bay 10 years ago and had no complaints. That was in July and this trip is in December, when I expect it may be more crowded. I have read a few posts complaining about noise and suspect there may have been some changes since my last visit. Does anyone have a layout they can email? Recommendations for more private spots?
This time I would like to either sail or power boat, maybe to JVD??, Recommendations?
The planning continues.... Can't Wait! 🙂
TIA
Even though I have a map it really doesn't show what would have the best views or privacy. Because of how fast the foliage grows the best to know would be registration. E-mail them with your concerns about being close to a group, they'd be able to help.
Wondering about the Jeep policy myself. Not so much for top down, but maybe removing side and back side windows on a soft top.
I have a Wrangler myself and without removing the window panels I know it gets hella hot. 🙂
If there's a no top down rule are they very strict about it?
I agree with Cathy- you don't know where they may place a large group so the map may not help, call is better. However, and I don't mean to be mean- we met folks there when we went 4 years ago (our third time there) who asked specifically about large groups and wanting to be away from children and were reassured that that would be no problem. They ended up right next to a large ,very noisy school group and complained with no satisfaction. My husband logged a mild complaint at midnight one night because these kids were still rockin' and rollin' and he was told that "he needed to be more tolerant of children". Yikes! This is a huge reason why this year we're staying at Concordia ecotents rather than Maho. Too bad, but we'll enjoy the change- maybe things have improved again at Maho, must depend on the time of year maybe?
Regarding the Jeep tops. We just booked a jeep through budget for June 20-27. They allow you to take the tops off. So does Dependable. These are the emails I got from both:
From Budget:
THE JEEP WRANGLERS ARE 66.00/DAY AND 349.00/WEEK EXCLUDING TAXES. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE TOP OFF AND TAKE THE JEEP TO ST. JOHN. IF YOU ARE PICKING UP AT THE AIRPORT THAT LOCATION CLOSES AT 10PM.
From Dependable:
Thank you for inquiring about renting a car from us.
The rate for your 1 week rental will be $377.74 for a Jeep Wrangler with A/C.
This includes a discount of 25% off the daily rate and when you rent from us there are no taxes or mileage charges. We do allow people to take the top off the Wrangler, but it must be returned to us on and fully latched. We don’t mind putting it back on for you, but there is a $50 fee for that service.
We allow our cars to be taken to St. John with a few conditions. Be very careful with your key because if you lose it you will have to come all the way back to our office on St. Thomas to get another. Also if you have a flat tire or dead battery over there you are on your own. We can't send a mechanic over for minor service issues. The ramp can be rather steep if the tide is high so you have to be careful not to smush up the muffler.
The car ferry cost ranges from $25 or $40 round trip, depending on which company you go with. Ferries run approximately hourly from 6am to 7pm. They are first come first serve - you cannot reserve a spot ahead of time. If you are staying on St. John and arrive at St. Thomas airport after 5:00, and/or have a very early departure flight, the logistics might not work out for renting your vehicle on St. Thomas. We can discuss this with you when you call to reserve.
Our office is 5 minutes from the airport and we offer a complimentary shuttle service for your arrival and departure.
To place your reservation please call us at 1-800-522-3076 during the hours of 8am to 5pm, Atlantic Standard Time. We are open 7 days a week.
Kevin
Cool Breeze has always been great for us. However, they specifically prohibit jeep top removal---There is a penalty fee if you do it. Not sure if it is enforced, but it was in the agreement and mentioned again when I picked up my vitara.
Paris/Hertz also does NOT allow you to take the top off. We rented a Grand Vitara (which has a hard top no one could remove without the jaws of life) and it STILL had a sticker inside on the dashboard telling driver and passenger that you must not take the top off. They must really mean it!
$50.00 fee to put the top on for you??? I do this everyday and it only takes about 3-4 minutes when you get the hang of it. 😉
Thanks for the info!
Unless you are handling a roof in a tropical area, you have not dealt with the sand and corrosion that can make things a little more difficult. Just a thought. No big deal.
just a heads up...the car ferries have increased in price to $50-$55 rt. The rental car companies have not updated their info...
